A FORMER deputy headteacher of Ripon Cathedral Choir School has been charged with numerous child sex-related offences spanning a 23-year period.

Harrogate Magistrates Court heard Ian Atkinson, of Staveley, near Ripon, faced two charges of indecently assaulting a boy aged under 14 in Ripon between 2001 and 2002.

He was also charged with inciting a boy to commit an act of gross indecency over the same period.

The court heard the former teacher at the North Yorkshire private school also faced four charges of indecently assaulting boys aged under 14 between September 1992 and August 1994 in Hampshire.

Atkinson also faces two counts of making indecent photographs of children at his home in Staveley during or before August 2015. Charges state images allegedly found on his computer included six photos and one film rated category B. The counts also included 26 category C images.

It remains unclear for how long Atkinson was a teacher at the Ripon school, but it is understood he held the senior position for several years.

Atkinson, who appeared in court wearing a dark suit with his brother at his side, remained silent when asked to confirm his name and address, with his solicitor, Susannah Proctor, answering for him.

Ms Proctor said Atkinson would not be indicating a plea.

Magistrate Chris Harrison said the case would need to be heard before York Crown Court and granted Atkinson conditional bail until a hearing on October 7.

While the cathedral's choral tradition dates back more than 500 years, the choir school was not founded until 1960. It closed in 2012 after failed attempts to clear debts of about £800,000, while reportedly losing about £40,000-a-month.